Mesothelioma cancer occurs when your body gets exposed to asbestos. It often occurs in the lining surrounding the abdomen and lungs. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs due to long-term asbestos exposure. Asbestos contains microscopic fibers, but it has been banned for construction purposes. These tiny fibers can stick to your lungs and damage them over time. The condition may take a while to mutate into a severe issue, with mesothelioma developing up to 20 years after asbestos exposure. Although asbestos is banned, materials containing the compound are found in most older buildings.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of mesothelioma may take several decades to manifest after asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest area, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath due to the thickened lining around the lungs, and fluid buildup in the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal area, causing bowel obstruction, swelling, and pain. There are multiple approaches to ease side effects of the disease which heightens throughout the different stages of mesothelioma.
If you have concerns regarding changes you’re experiencing, you should consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor will assess your symptoms to determine the root cause of the issue through diagnosis. Relieving symptoms becomes essential to cancer treatment and care if you’re diagnosed with cancer. Ensure you communicate with your doctor regarding the symptoms you experience.
Tests for Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Doctors often assess for abnormalities before they perform a tissue biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. The process may involve multiple tests like imaging scans and bloodwork.
Imaging Scans
Each scan has different limitations and benefits. Doctors may recommend several imaging scans depending on your case. After a diagnosis, healthcare professionals use these tests to establish the stage of the disease, assess any fluid buildup, and monitor the spread.
Blood Tests
Blood tests measure biomarkers in a blood sample to assess the possibility of mesothelioma. Doctors combine biopsy with blood work at times to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Blood tests alone may not be enough to diagnose mesothelioma. Advances in blood test strategies will help support earlier mesothelioma detection and diagnosis.
Biopsies
Biopsies are crucial in treating and diagnosing mesothelioma. A biopsy that removes fluid or tissue for testing is the only way of diagnosing mesothelioma. Blood tests and imaging scans play a crucial role in diagnosing, but biopsy tests are more conclusive. A biopsy helps determine essential disease factors, including cell type. Doctors perform a biopsy by removing a tissue or fluid sample with the help of a needle. A pathologist analyzes the sample afterwards to help your doctor devise a treatment plan for you.
Why Mesothelioma Patients Use Essential Oils
Considerable research indicates that essential oils interact with your body effectively. The oils help maintain pulse rate and blood pressure, control enzymes, and production of hormones. Essential oils assist mesothelioma patients in managing stress and equip their bodies with the ability to fight off pain. Patient reports indicate that pain management strategies and the use of such oils help patients undergoing cancer treatment. Some of the essential oils to consider include:
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is prevalent in most households due to its fragrance. Cancer patients use lavender to enhance their quality of sleeping and calm their nerves. If you’re undergoing therapy, you can infuse lavender to reduce and manage anxiety and stress. Lavender boosts the immune capacity that helps patients fight viruses and bacteria. Studies show that lavender essential oils are essential for cell growth inhibition, tumor reduction, and healing.
Turmeric
Turmeric has multiple proven health benefits. Mesothelioma patients use turmeric essential oils to minimize the symptoms of inflammation and pain associated with surgery. Research indicates that turmeric essential oil speeds up the healing process of most patients. Turmeric has multiple properties that enable it to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells. These essential oils are also important for promoting cell death.
Frankincense
Frankincense has been widely used in cancer research for years. Frankincense is highly aromatic and boosts the immunity of mesothelioma patients. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening the body’s response to multiple illnesses. Frankincense also helps reduce stress, improve body circulation, and relieve pain. This essential oil proves crucial when dealing with the stiffening of limbs or joints associated with chemotherapy.
Peppermint
Peppermint is crucial against fighting bacteria and possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that peppermint essential oil helps mesothelioma patients manage side effects from radiation treatment. Peppermint essential oils can suppress the development of tumors. Researchers indicate that peppermint essential oil can prevent tumors from having their own blood supply.
Lifestyle, Therapeutic, and Creative Activities to Alleviate Side Effects of Mesothelioma
Cancer patients can make various lifestyle changes to support their overall well-being. Such patients may add therapeutic activities to improve their quality of life. Such changes impact their lives in several ways, and patients can discuss the best exercises with their care team to fasten the treatment process. It’s important to integrate physical activities as a strong body is crucial for patients undergoing treatment. Patients can enjoy a wide range of therapeutic and creative activities to keep their minds active, including restorative therapy with professionals or at-home exercises.
Treatment of mesothelioma improves the quality of life for most patients. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or multimodal that combine these methods to improve survival outcomes.
